15 Ways to Make Your Vancouver Wedding Extra-Special (Not That It’s a Competition)

Engaged couples in 2025 are about as obsessed with having a unique wedding as they are with each other. But when being different is a trend in itself and many once-quirky wedding elements are now a tad overdone (we’re looking at you, signature cocktail named after a dog),  it’s tough to find those truly  distinct details that will make your wedding better than  everyone else’s—which, as we understand, is the secret goal. We asked florists, photographers, wedding planners and more for the most outside-the-box ideas they’ve seen at Vancouver weddings. Bookmark these pages for reference, and share it with no one.

1. Tie One On with Personalized Champagne Glasses

Genève McNally, founder and principal planner of DreamGroup Weddings and Events, suggests printing guests’ names and table numbers on ribbons tied around a glass of welcome champagne ahead of the reception. “It’s  stylish, unexpected and, most import- antly, efficient.”

2. Make the Aisle Curvy and Colourful

“Curved aisles are so lovely but still elegant,” says Soha Lavin, wedding planner and designer at CountDown Events. “The added drama lengthens the bridal entrance, and the whimsical blooms add a garden-like and fresh vibe.”

3. Print Out a Yearbook-Style Guestbook

Instead of the traditional blank guestbook, Kristy Yiem of Blush Wedding Photography suggests creating a memento featuring pics of all of your guests. “It’s more interactive, and you can get very creative with giving shout-outs to your loved ones for Best Dressed, Most Helpful, et cetera.”

4. Use a Vestaboard for Out-of-Towners

According to Audrey Wong, one of Peake Catering Events’ wedding clients had loved ones who couldn’t attend the wedding send messages directly to a vestaboard. “It reminded us of a train station board, flipping in real-time with real-time messaging,” says Wong. “We love how it bridged the distance, enabling guests who couldn’t attend the reception to still feel connected and be part of the couple’s special day.”

5. Spritz on a Signature Wedding Fragrance

Coco He, bridal hair and makeup artist at The Love Team, notes that a custom or bespoke perfume can create a scent memory. “It’s something the couple can revisit for anniversaries or special occasions, evoking the emotions of their big day.”

6. Trade the Veil for a  Non-Traditional Accessory

“I think we’ll see brides adding cool pieces like scarves, gloves or small headwear this year,” says Julianna Iacobelli of JulesMarie Design Studio. She adds that choosing a bridal set as a dress alternative is a stylish way to personalize an outfit during the wedding and beyond.

7. Use Elements of a Meaningful Vintage Dress in Your Own

“So many people save their wedding dress in order to one day pass it down to their child or grandchild,” says Iacobelli, “but sometimes these dresses just aren’t modern enough to appeal to the brides of today.” She suggests using the antique lace or beading (with the original owner’s blessing, of course) to create a new piece. “It’s a great way to honour your family while still being completely unique to you.”

8. Make a Custom Logo and Brand Everything

Andy Wang, stationery designer at Jrnl Studio, loves when couples use monograms liberally. “From invitations to ‘day of’ stationery; from the bar to the dance floor; from welcome signs to washroom signs—everything is consistent,” he says. “It makes me feel the wedding is well-designed and put together.”

9. Screen a Same-Day Edit of Your Elopement

“By eloping somewhere epic—like the top of a mountain—you get to savour those private ‘I do’ moments without the pressure,” says Shawn Miller, founder of Young Hip and Married. Clients of his have eloped on a mountaintop, then taken a seaplane or helicopter to join guests at their reception and screened the ceremony as a highlight of the party.

10. Give Edible Favours

Most industry vets will tell you that impractical wedding favours are out—many get left behind or trashed. But food is always a crowd-pleaser. “One of our couples had their favourite bakery make morning baking in boxes for each guest,” shares Kevin Mazzone of The Lazy Gourmet. Guests can enjoy the goods for breakfast the next day (or chow down in the taxi home).

11. Pen a Handwritten Note for Each Guest

If you’ve got the time, personal notes are a gamechanger (and tear-jerker), says Jordan Maxey of Smitten Events: “It immediately makes guests feel special to sit down and not only see their name, but to read a personalized message from the couple.”

12. Have a Collaborative Artwork Station

Get the paintbrushes (and aprons) out and let your guests create a masterpiece. “We had an art-loving bride place a large canvas as a welcome—each guest contributed to the painting and the bride completed it,” shares Rajbir Grewal, creative director at Lux Affairs.

13. Donate Your Florals to Hospitals or Care Centres

Bloomiér offers end-of-night flower donation as part of a wedding package. “This thoughtful gesture extends the joy of your wedding beyond the celebration itself,” says Bloomiér creative director Kamila Alikhani. “It’s an elegant way to reduce waste while making a lasting, positive impact.”

14. Get Your Bouquet Pressed and Framed

Jennifer Schafer, owner and wedding planner at Umbrella Events, suggests preserving your (usually very expensive) wedding flowers and creating a piece of art for your home. “Choose the right vendor to preserve it for you,” she advises. “It’s a nice little keepsake to hold on to.”

15. Ditch the Diamonds

The idea that diamonds are the one-and-only gemstone that represents love? It’s over, explains Zadel Jewellery Studio owner Adele Van Tonder. “You’ve got an opportunity to mix shapes, colours and stones for your rings,” she says. “Sapphires even come in a rainbow of colours, like purple or green for something really unique.”